Our Attorneys

NICOLE BOYLE KAIRYS

Ms. Kairys is an attorney who has practiced family law in Western Pennsylvania for over 21 years. Prior to that time, she practiced family law in Eastern Pennsylvania. Ms. Kairys is highly-skilled at representing clients in all aspects of support, divorce and custody matters, with extensive experience in complex divorce matters including equitable distribution and support matters that involve high net worth estates. Ms. Kairys is experienced in the practice of collaborative law, is a trained mediator, and has extensive appellate practice experience.

Ms. Kairys is an active member of the Family Law Sections of the Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations, the Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CLASP), and the Allegheny County Bar Association Collaborative Law Committee.

Ms. Kairys currently serves on the Rules Committee and the Support Guidelines Subcommittee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section, and is past chair and continues to serve on the Programming Committee of the Allegheny Bar Association Family Law Section. She is also was past Vice-Chair of the Policy & Procedures committee for the Collaborative Law Association and has served on the nominating committee for the Allegheny County Bar Association, Family Law Section. Ms. Kairys has participated in the Mock Trial Programs for Family Law Advocacy students at both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. Ms. Kairys is a member of the Matrimonial Inns of Court and has volunteered her professional services in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Pro Bono Clinic.

In addition to her involvement in the legal community and through the courts, Ms. Kairys services as Secretary on the Board of Crisis Center North, a nonprofit organization that provides support and services for victims of domestic violence in the Northern and Western suburbs of Pittsburgh. Ms. Kairys also volunteers her time with Second Saturday a program through Wife.org that provides individuals contemplating or going through a divorce with legal, financial and psychological information and advice.

While attending law school, Ms. Kairys was a law clerk in the Family Law Division of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania and practiced in the pro bono Family Law Clinic in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She has been involved in the preparation and presentation of numerous educational programs on various issues related to family law through her work on the programming committee. These are programs presented to attorneys that provide them with continuing education credits.

Ms. Kairys resides in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with her husband and two sons.

LEA E. ANDERSON

Lea is a skilled attorney who leads our firm’s Family Law & Collaborative Law practice while also actively contributing to our Estate Planning and Administration, Mediation & ADR, and Business Law Groups. With a focus on out-of-court alternative dispute resolution since 2007, Lea specializes in mediation and collaborative law, tailoring settlements to meet the unique needs of each case. Collaborative law, in particular, prioritizes preserving healthy relationships with children and extended family throughout and after divorce proceedings. Lea’s extensive mediation training, totaling over 80 hours, equips her to guide parties towards finding the right solutions for their specific circumstances.

While Lea is dedicated to the collaborative process, she recognizes that court involvement may be unavoidable in certain situations. She possesses substantial litigation experience in traditional divorce matters, encompassing equitable distribution, support and alimony issues, custody disputes, standby guardianships, property negotiation, and settlement of marital claims, including real estate matters. Additionally, Lea is well-versed in drafting and enforcing pre-marital agreements, a crucial aspect of her family law practice.

Complementing her family law and business clients’ needs, Lea’s estate planning practice covers a broad spectrum of services. She assists with the creation of wills, testamentary, irrevocable and living trusts, advance health care directives, living wills, and durable powers of attorney. This comprehensive approach ensures that her clients’ estate planning aligns seamlessly with their family law and business interests.

Furthermore, Lea possesses extensive experience in small business formation and representation, the purchase and sale of businesses, contract and lease negotiations, resolution of employment conflicts, and family succession planning. She is adept at handling matters related to the hiring and termination of employees, severance agreements, and mutual releases.

JESSICA L. CROWN

Jessica is a skilled attorney who specializes in civil litigation, with a particular focus on real estate and family law. She has extensive experience representing clients in federal and county courts across Southwestern Pennsylvania, with a specific emphasis on commercial real estate, zoning and land use matters, and actions to quiet title.

Within family law, Jessica is well-versed in handling divorce, custody, and support litigation, as well as drafting settlements and premarital agreements. She also has expertise in property negotiation and the settlement of other marital-related claims, including the division of family businesses.

Jessica is a proponent of Collaborative Law in her Family Law practice. This approach allows parties to reach resolution through customized settlements outside the court process, fostering healthy relationships with children and extended family during and after divorce. In 2015, she obtained her certification as a mediator through the Association of Conflict Resolution.

In addition to her civil litigation work, Jessica actively practices Municipal Law. She has experience serving as Solicitor and dealing with matters such as tax assessment, code enforcement, zoning regulations, and election law.

As an advisor, Jessica assists clients with corporate formation, including corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. She also handles employment issues, providing comprehensive guidance to her clients.

ANA LISA PETRELLA

Ana Lisa brings a wealth of experience in family law, making her a trusted advocate in a wide range of family matters. From divorce and equitable distribution to child and spousal support, custody disputes, protections from abuse, and jurisdictional actions, Ana Lisa’s expertise covers all aspects of family law.

Beyond these areas, Ana Lisa also provides valuable assistance to clients in drafting and negotiating prenuptial agreements. Additionally, she assists clients with estate-related objectives, including the creation of wills, healthcare directives, and durable powers of attorney.

Throughout the entire legal process, from the initial consultation to case resolution, whether through settlement or trial, Ana Lisa is known for her comprehensive understanding and successful handling of her clients’ needs. She has proudly represented clients in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, earning respect and recognition throughout the region.

REBECCA L. SHEARER

Rebecca joined the firm as an Associate Attorney in 2022 after gaining experience as a law clerk at the same firm. With a focus on Family Law, School & Municipal Law, and Municipal Tax & Creditors’ Rights, she is in the process of establishing her practice.

Rebecca graduated from Ohio State University and obtained her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2022. During her time in law school, she held various roles, including Managing Editor of the Pittsburgh Tax Review, Public Outreach Chair of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, and Associate Editor of JURIST, a prominent law school-based news outlet. Her notable achievements include receiving the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Award, the Faculty Award for Excellence in Legal Scholarship, and the CALI Award for Law of Slavery, Abolition & Freedom.

Compassionate Family Law Attorneys

Here at Best Divorce Lawyers PA West LLC we recognize the significance of your role within your family and community. Our dedicated team works diligently, along with our partners at GRB Law, to ensure that your interests, as well as those who rely on you, are treated with utmost respect. We understand that family dynamics can be complex, and our extensive experience allows us to provide expert guidance, helping you make well-informed decisions that are tailored to your specific circumstances.

For a Free Consultation regarding your case, call us at (412) 693-6655.